The Best Private Schools in De Graff, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in De Graff. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Troy Christian Schools
Troy Christian Schools Inc.
Troy Christian Schools serves students from throughout the Miami Valley region, including families from De Graff. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on college preparation and biblical integration. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized tracks in STEM and humanities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including technology labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school receives high marks for academic rigor, caring faculty, and comprehensive student support services that prepare graduates for college success.
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Emmanuel Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Emmanuel Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the broader region including De Graff. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive student development programs that balance academic rigor with character education.
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Lehman Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Lehman Catholic High School serves students from multiple counties including Logan County where De Graff is located. As a Catholic college preparatory school, it offers rigorous academic programs with 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum includes honors and AP courses, comprehensive theology program, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, chapel, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community values, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and successful alumni network. Parent reviews consistently highlight the supportive environment and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in De Graff, Ohio
What are the private school options for families living in De Graff, Ohio, and are there any located directly in town?
There are no private schools physically located within the village limits of De Graff, OH. However, families in De Graff commonly consider several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding region of West Central Ohio. These include Emmanuel Christian Academy in Springfield (PreK-12), Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney (9-12), and Troy Christian Schools in Troy (PreK-12). The commute to these schools typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. This regional approach is common for rural Ohio communities like De Graff, where students often commute to access private education.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program affect tuition costs for De Graff families considering private schools?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the financial burden for De Graff families. This state-funded program provides vouchers (scholarships) based on either the performance rating of your assigned public school district (Riverside Local Schools) or family income (EdChoice Expansion). Families in De Graff can apply these scholarships to participating schools like Emmanuel Christian Academy, Lehman Catholic, or Troy Christian. The scholarship amount is applied directly to tuition, making private education more accessible. It's crucial to check each school's specific participation status and application process, as they are the direct point of contact for the program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible from De Graff, OH, that might not be available in the local public system?
The private schools serving De Graff offer distinct programs that cater to diverse interests. Lehman Catholic High School provides a strong college-preparatory curriculum with notable theology courses and competitive athletics in the Northwest Central Conference. Emmanuel Christian Academy emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum across all subjects and offers a comprehensive fine arts program. Troy Christian Schools features specialized tracks, including a renowned STEM program and competitive athletic leagues. These schools often have smaller class sizes than regional public schools, allowing for more individualized attention and specialized programming that might be limited in a smaller rural district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lehman Catholic or Emmanuel Christian for a family from De Graff?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For instance, Lehman Catholic often holds open houses and shadow days starting in October, with application deadlines in early spring. Emmanuel Christian Academy usually has a re-enrollment period for current families first, followed by open enrollment for new families. It is highly recommended that De Graff families initiate contact with admissions offices by January to secure placement, as some grades may have waiting lists. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often a placement assessment.
For a family in De Graff, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Riverside public schools and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The primary advantage of Riverside Local Schools is proximity, with no commute and strong community ties. The private school option involves a daily commute but often offers smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education (if desired), and potentially different extracurricular niches. Academically, you should compare state report card ratings for Riverside with the specific curricular strengths of the private options. Financially, you must factor in tuition (potentially offset by EdChoice scholarships) versus the free public education. Ultimately, for De Graff parents, it often comes down to whether the unique mission, community, and programs of a private school are worth the logistical and financial commitment of commuting to Sidney, Troy, or Springfield.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Private Boarding Schools: A Guide for De Graff, Ohio Parents
For families in De Graff, Ohio, the decision to explore private education often centers on the excellent local day schools like Emmanuel Christian Academy, Lehman Catholic High School, and Troy Christian Schools. These institutions provide strong academic foundations and community-focused environments right here in our region. However, as your child grows and their aspirations expand, you might find yourself considering a broader educational landscape, including the unique world of private boarding schools. This option, while not local, can be a transformative choice for the right student, and it’s worth understanding how it fits into the journey of a family from our close-knit Logan County community.
Private boarding schools are residential institutions where students live on campus during the academic term. They offer an immersive educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering independence, time management, and deep camaraderie among peers. For a student from De Graff, this means access to specialized academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and extracurricular opportunities—from advanced robotics labs to elite athletic training—that might not be available locally. It’s a path that can be particularly compelling for a student passionate about a specific field, such as performing arts or STEM, who is ready for a greater level of academic challenge and personal growth.
Considering this option requires thoughtful local context. The transition from a supportive community like ours to a residential setting is significant. It involves not just the student adapting, but the entire family. The proximity of our excellent local private schools allows for daily involvement, whereas a boarding school relationship is built on different rhythms—planned visits, family weekends, and constant digital communication. Financially, boarding schools represent a substantial investment, and many Ohio families explore financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes state-supported programs that can help offset costs for qualifying students. It’s also crucial to visit campuses, which for us in west-central Ohio, likely means traveling to schools in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, or New England.
The decision often comes down to fit and readiness. The strong moral and academic grounding provided by our local De Graff-area schools can actually be the perfect preparation for a boarding school environment. A student from Lehman Catholic or Emmanuel Christian, already accustomed to a values-based education and rigorous coursework, may thrive in a boarding setting that amplifies those principles on a larger stage. It’s not a replacement for our local options, but rather a different fork in the educational road. For parents, the key is to have open conversations with your child about their goals, their comfort with independence, and their social needs. Engaging with guidance counselors at our local schools can provide invaluable insights, as they often have experience helping families navigate these broader choices. Ultimately, whether you choose the familiar excellence of our community schools or the expansive opportunity of a private boarding school, the goal remains the same: finding the environment where your child will flourish academically, socially, and personally.